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Wired: Breakup Good for MS?

"But while Microsoft laments, a number of antitrust experts
and business analysts are arguing that a breakup could well be a
good thing for Microsoft, its shareholders, and consumers. Or,
at least, a better thing than a consent decree in which Microsoft
agrees to curb its suspect behavior, generally considered a lighter
punishment."

"The thinking goes like this: If Microsoft and the government
enter into a consent decree, the DOJ will have to scrutinize
Microsoft's every move for years to come, micro-managing the
company's business strategy at every turn. The government will
essentially be in the software business -- the greatest fear of
Microsoft's supporters."

"If the company is broken up, however, the new units can forge
ahead on their own, relatively free from federal handlers."